Darby Hinkley

My heart woke up the moment I heard his cry.

Is this what love feels like? I didn’t care that my body had just undergone 24 hours of labor. I was a mom!

Now, 14 years later, I can’t imagine what kind of person I’d be if I wasn’t a mom. I mean, I’d still be me, but something would be missing. I felt my purpose unfolding as I gently cradled that cute little newborn for the first time in 2008. Now he’s about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and still growing. And my heart is still full.

As the mom of a teen, I realize I’m probably “not cool” anymore, but that’s OK with me. I was cool in my teens, too, and no one over the age of 35 was anywhere near my level of awesomeness, in my own mind. Now, at age 41, I don’t even care if I’m cool, or hip, or lit, or fire, or whatever today’s word du jour happens to be. All I know is, I love my friends, my family, and my community, but that kid made me a mom, so he’s my number one.

Gone are the days when he comes running down the preschool hall, arms wide open, yelling “Momma!” That was fun, but this is fun, too. Our random talks in the car when I’m driving him to the gym are always interesting and enlightening. He’s a wise young man with a good head on his shoulders, and I couldn’t be prouder.

I go about my day, running from this interview to that appointment, then running an errand at lunch, wishing the clock would stop for just an hour or two so I could actually get my work done without cramming like I have a final exam every single day. But, no matter what I’m doing, if my son calls or texts, he has my full attention. He needs a ride? I get there. He needs a permission slip signed? On it. He needs help with algebra? Go ask your dad. I’ll help with English all day, but the only math I dabble in are the negative integers in my bank account at the end of the month.

I suppose you could say I have it easy with an only child. That could be somewhat true, but parenting is definitely a full-time job, with top-notch benefits.

As our children grow, we get the opportunity to see their progress. We have pictures to remind us of days past, but I truly believe this very moment is priceless. That’s why I make time for my teen now, while he’s still living at home. He may not want to admit it, but he needs me as much as I need him. He needs guidance, but he also needs independence. We both need laughter, and we share that often with our matching sarcastic humor. We also can’t stop ourselves from making Corny jokes. Capitalized because my maiden name is Cornelius and my dad was the captain of the Corn. Apparently, it’s genetic.

I’m sure finding out I even mentioned him in a column is cringe-worthy to my son, but I know when he’s 25 and finds this clipping that I saved for him, he’ll smile. Sometimes, as a parent, you have to take a step back and see the big picture, but then step back into the moment and savor every second with your child at this very age.

I can’t describe how blessed I feel to be a mom, especially of a smart, kind, funny, musical, athletic son. I feel like I hit the lottery and there’s no limit to the happiness I have access to now.

It’s not possible to be a perfect mom, but I know that I have a good, honest relationship with my son, and that’s the basis for a future full of hugs, laughs, and the occasional cry. As long as he knows I’m always there for him, he’ll be OK, no matter what comes his way.

This Mother’s Day, bask in your blessings and live in the moment with your kids. Enjoy every second you have with them. Who knows? They might even enjoy it, too.

Darby Hinkley is a mom first, and everything else last. She is at least halfway grown-up so far, with further maturity possible but unlikely. Pester her at 989-358-5691 or dhinkley@thealpenanews.com. Read her here on the first Friday of the month.